Board of Trustees

Profiles and Portfolios

Suzanne Drake (Chairperson)Portfolio: Chair and PropertySuzanne brings a wide range of project and business experience to the role of Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. Combining previous roles of Risk Manager and Project Manager she is well equipped to take into account different stakeholders and information while keeping the best outcome for Beachlands School in focus.

Suzanne is committed to helping Beachlands School transition to a new stage with the increase in local population, but one that retains its connection to the local community and maintains and builds upon its excellent values and scholastic achievement.

Suzanne has two children currently attending the school and one pre-schooler.

Suzanne has taken on the property portfolio reflecting prior experience working on large and small scale builds. She is interested in ensuring the best outcome for the children in the school, while reflecting the latest best practice. The school has several building projects on the horizon and Suzanne will keep the community updated with relevant information.

​Carl LlewelynPortfolio: Health and SafetyCarl brings a wide range of practical and business experience to Beachlands School. Having lived in the area for nearly 40 years, he understands the issues and concerns facing the growing community and school roll. Carl is keen to use his knowledge and passion to help improve the school’s dynamic culture and learning environment.

Carl is a past pupil of Beachlands School and has two children that currently attend the school.

Carl has taken on the Health and Safety portfolio for the school, reflecting his recent career change from electrical contracting into health and safety consulting. He is looking to sharing his knowledge with everyone on the team with the aim of delivering systems that educate, grow and inspire people to contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way.

As owner of the Health and Safety portfolio, Carl has been auditing the school’s Health and Safety system, identifying gaps and helping to create a positive culture around health and safety.

Bruce Barrett​Portfolio: Legislation​Bruce has been living in Beachlands since 2011. After spending 11 years in the UK he returned to NZ with a wife and two children (Helen, Mara and Keri). Bruce and his family were looking for a small community to bring up their family in and found that in Beachlands.Bruce brings a variety of business and personal experience to the team. Currently he works as a member of the Mars NZ management team as the Supply Chain Director. Experience gained in this and other leadership roles will be a great benefit to the board of trustees.Bruce holds the legislation portfolio and looks forward to helping guide the school as it grows with the local community.

Sarah Laing-BealePortfolios: Finance and PersonnelSarah has worked as a clinician and a manager in both the Education and Health sectors. This background and her experience in operational and strategic management, ensuresshe has a strong working understanding of the current demands and resource limitations facing the growing Beachlands School community.

A past pupil of Beachlands School, Sarah has lived in the community for most of her life and currently has two children attending the school.

Sarah holds both the Finance and Personnel portfolios which compliment both her managerial and clinical backgrounds.

She looks forward to supporting and growing the high standard of innovation and student care within the school, as well as working with the Beachlands School community, to develop a sustainable, contemporary and inspiring learning environment for current and future students.

​Kylie BiggsStaff RepresentativeKylie brings a wide range of practical teaching experience to the Beachlands School board. Having lived and taught in the area, she has a meaningful connection with the staff and community.

Kylie understands the direction that the school is heading in and is a positive role model of our school vision and values.

Kylie is a past pupil of Beachlands School and has been teaching at the school for the past 7 years; she is the current Intermediate Team Leader.

Kylie has taken on the role of the staff representative for the school. She brings the perspective of staff needs and views while also keeping the staff informed about the board’s activity and plans.